A human brain can hold about 2.5 million gigabytes of data, equivalent to roughly 3 million hours of Netflix. Interestingly, stored information can be retrieved at twice the speed of a blinking eye. The Lord Jesus Christ—the image of the invisible God and beloved Son, who created all things for his glory (Col 1:13-16)—did so in astonishing ways (Ps 139:13-14). This applies especially to the pinnacle of creation: humanity (Gen 1:26-28).
Scripture links the brain to the “outer man” (2 Cor 4:16), the physical organ that governs a host of bodily systems. It ages and deteriorates. Conversely, the Scriptures describe the mind as the “inner man” (4:16), the core of human thought, affections, and commitments. It represents the active soul in relation to God—a heart in or out of harmony with its Creator.
Why this matters…
All Christians are saved from the eternal grip of darkness (Col 1:13), yet many still carry deep shame and guilt from their past. Not only do they carry it, but it tends to get stuck in a loop in their thought life. Even though they are now part of the realm of forgiveness and freedom (1:14; Jn 8:36), it can be hard for some to view the past correctly. Sometimes they feel trapped and find it difficult to enjoy the Lord as others seem to do effortlessly.
It might be that one innocently suffered a traumatic event yet responded sinfully. One may have sinned grievously yet has not internalized the extent of God’s grace to cast their transgressions as far as the east is from the west (Ps 103:12). Circumstances can be complex and confusing, but God’s Word is sufficient to bring clarity, hope, and healing to all who feel stuck in their faith because of “that thing” in the past. In fact, God has an amazing plan for the troubled mind—a plan that leads to rest and reveling in his goodness (Mt 11:28-30; Ps 34:8). Despite any past affliction, the mind can be renewed day by day as the believer beholds the glory of Christ (2 Cor 4:16; 3:18).
If you're interested in learning more, don’t miss PBF’s upcoming biblical counseling intensive, titled “Navigating the Past: Learning and Keeping God’s Perspective,” scheduled for March 20th at 6:30 pm. This workshop will help you implement a biblically based framework for addressing past shame and guilt. Although designed for biblical counselors, everyone is welcome to attend. After all, every member of the local church should grow in the practice of instructing and encouraging one another (Rom 15:14).
Click HERE to sign up today! I guarantee it will be time well spent.